9 on the 9th -- Doubled: A race report

Run: 9 on the 9th/ 18 mile marathon training run
Total Distance: 18.34 miles
Time: 4h35 (give or take)
Virtual Medal to The lovely and Talented Ms. M for running farther than she ever has before.
Favourite Topic: Crazy old uncles and family dysfunctions
First 9: 2h9
Bottom 9: 2h15

Anyone need an a slow 9? It appears I have an extra.

Lovely winteresque day that start off in a bit of an ice mist. Tee-off time of 9 a.m. was postponed due to just not being ready on time. The trees branches were covered in a lovely white snowmist. Rather lovely, but soon it was snowing. Then it was windy. Snow and wind. First half of the course was a Farm loop back to the start. It was good plan allowing the runners to take a very comfortable pitt stop with bathrooms with running water and organic granola bars.

The second half of the course, was an out and back along the Rideau Canal. Winterlude is on and they kindly closed Queen Elizabeth drive for the runners. Unfortunately, skaters and wanderers checking out old Senators (hockey, not upper house) vs. Military hockey game gave the runners an unplanned extended walking excuse around the 13 mile mark. (Unfortunately collision with a little person... Not hard. Apologized profusely.) Later on walking excuses would include slight inclines, slight declines, minor mental breakdowns, oxygen, snow on the ground, snow in the air, wind, the earth being round, needing to whine, needing to high five, needing to eat, needing to burp, forgotten lyrics to Thougher Than the Rest ... still the two at the back managed to get all the miles in. And be smiling at the end.

Although she was a last minute registrant The Lovely and Talented Ms. M joined me for the ENTIRE run. (I am in awe of her.) Eighteen miles is far and to just go out and do it without a lot of miles previously is simply amazing. For her talent and skill, she gets the virtual metal for being the best running buddy a girl could ask for -- ever. (She basically got up this morning and ran 18 miles. Damn! She rocks.)

Great run, great race, bring on 20.

Comments

[Bob Allen]

I like your excuses for walking. There have been times when those would have been useful ... "I'd love to keep running with you but I need to burp. See you at the finish." 18 miles is a long way but you did get double the virtual goodies.

[Nancy]

AHHHH, great job and great report. I, too, loved the walking excuses!! What a nice running partner.

Thanks so much for being part of the race.

[amy]

Who needs an excuse to walk? There are times when it just feels so damn good.

Way to go!

[Tree]

GREAT JOB!!!!

[Database Diva]

Uh oh, if you were forgetting the lyrics to tougher than the rest, things were getting serious ;) Way to hang in and get the miles in. I had a 20 mile run this weekend, but ended up splitting it into a 10 mile trail run followed by 10 more on the treadmill. Good luck with your 20!